Container

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides a container and method for using and installing the container. The container can include one or more walls, an internal volume, and an opening, the collection of which forming a storage compartment. The container can also include a table hook and a securing mechanism for securing the container to a table top. The container can also include a door about the opening.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This applicant claims priority to the previously filed U.S. provisional patent application having Application No. 62/909,579, filed on Nov. 26, 2019. Accordingly, all disclosures made in the 62/909,579 are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for retaining personal objects while dining. More particularly, this disclosure includes a container to be attached to the edge of a table and designed to secure personal items while dining.

BACKGROUND

While seated at a table in a restaurant, a diner is often burdened by his or her personal items. These personal items can include several items in the diner's pocket that make sitting for long periods of time uncomfortable. These personal items can include, but are not limited to, keys and keychains, cellular phones, wallets, make-up and other beauty products, pens and pencils, and pocket change. People sometimes use personal bags (i.e., a purse, backpack, or waist pack) to carry these personal items, and when seated at a table, they will hang the bags over the back of a chair. Alternatively, these personal items are often placed directly on top of the table. Both situations create a risk of theft or damage to the personal items.

Therefore, a need exists for a container at a restaurant or bar table to serve as a storage compartment for personal items, reducing risk of theft or damage to such personal property. While other applications of the disclosed container exist, for purposes of this disclosure the container will be discussed in the context of a patron dining at a restaurant.

SUMMARY

The disclosed invention includes a container having a hook and securing means for mounting to a table such that the container is secured to the underside, or bottom surface, of a table top. The container can have four or more sides, with a front side defining, or having, an opening so that items can be placed in the container. The container can also include one or more bag hooks about the front side so that a diner can hang his/her purse or bag directly on a bag hook.

Additional aspects of the container disclosed herein can include methods of making and using the same in accordance with the foregoing aspects. It should also be noted that the container further encompasses the various possible combinations of the aspects and features disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

The accompanying drawings illustrate various exemplary implementations and are part of the specification. The illustrated implementations are proffered for purpose of example, not for purpose of limitation.

FIG. 1 depicts perspective front view of a container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional side view of the container mounted to a table top, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 5 depicts a front side view of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 6 depicts a back side view of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 7 depicts a front side view of an alternative embodiment of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 8 depicts a front side view of another alternative embodiment of the container, as shown and described herein.

FIG. 9 depicts a front side view of the container, as shown and described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective front view of the container 2, FIG. 2 depicts a top view of the container 2, and FIG. 3 depicts a side view of the container 2. FIG. 5 depicts a front side view of the container. The container 2 can include three or more walls 4 defining sides made of a rigid or semi-rigid material and an opening defining a front side 5 a. The front side 5 a generally faces a user and allows the user to access the internal volume of the container 2 quickly and conveniently. As shown, the container 2 can have a top side 4 a, right side 4 b, bottom side 4 c, a left side 4 d, a front side 5 a, and a back side 5 b. A table hook 12 can extend from the top side 4 a and/or from the front side 5 a, or from a position toward the front of the container 2. As shown, a first portion of the table hook 12 a can extend upward from the top surface of the container (generally toward the front side 5 a) and a second portion of the table hook 12 b can then extend back from the first portion 12 a. Generally, the second portion of the table hook 12 b can be parallel to at least a portion of the top surface 4 a of the container 2.

The collection of sides 4 a-c, 5 a-b and an opening (shown on the front side 5 a) form a storage compartment. The size, shape, color, material, volume, of the storage compartment can be altered or selected to fit a particular need. Similarly, the opening into the internal volume can be disposed on, through, or at any position of the compartment. The primary function of the opening is to provide a user with access to all or part the internal volume of the storage compartment so that the user can wholly or partially insert his/her items into the storage compartment and then retrieve the items as necessary. As such, the opening can be manipulated in its size, shape, or position in a variety of environments to provide this accessibility to the user.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the container 2 can also include a securing mechanism 10 for securing the container 2 to the table top 22. The securing mechanism 10 can include a screw 15 or other elongated member capable of extending or protruding toward and away from the table top 22 so that the table plate 16 can engage the table 22 and, by whatever means offered, provide force against the bottom side of the table that opposes and secures the table top between the table plate 16 and the table hook 12, specifically the second portion of the table hook 12 b, having a knob located within internal volume of the container 2. In such embodiment, a user or installer of the container 2 can secure the container 2 to the table by positioning the table top 22 between the table hook 12 and the table plate 16 and then rotating the knob 18 in the predetermined direction, the container 2 can be secured to the table by moving a table plate 16 upward until it is tightened against the table top 22. The table plate 16 can be pressed against the bottom side of the table top 22 and the bottom side of the table hook 12 can be pressed against the top side of the table top 22, thereby securing the container 2 to the table 22. This particular securing mechanism 10 allows for the container 2 to be moved, as a user need only loosen the screw to release the container 2 from the table 22. The receiver threading can be in or about a hole through the top surface 4 a of the container 2. An embodiment having a screw configuration conveniently allows the user to move or relocate the container 2 to a desired position on the table or remove the container 2 completely. In other embodiments, the securing mechanism 10 can be more permanent. For example (not shown), the securing mechanism 10 can include one or more bolts disposed through holes in the table top 22, connecting to the top side of the container 2, the table hook 12, or both. In other embodiments the container 2 can be glued, nailed, or welded to the table top 22.

The container 2 can also include one or more bag hooks 14. The general purpose of the bag hook 14 is to have a place to hang a bag (i.e. a purse, a waist pack, or small personal bag) so that the bag does not have to be placed on the floor or hung over the back of a chair. Placing a bag on the floor or chair back puts the bag at risk of becoming dirty or being stolen. The bag hook 14 of the container 2 allows the bag to be hung at the diner's side without being placed on the ground. The bag hook can be secured to the container 2 in a variety of places and manners. As shown, the bag hook 14 can be disposed through a hole in the first portion of the table hook 12 a and secured to the top side 4 a of the container 2 by connection means. As shown, the screw 15 of the securing mechanism 10 can be disposed through a hole in the elongated portion of the bag hook 14. The bag hook 14 can be adjustable, making the hook bigger or smaller to accommodate bags of varying sizes. As shown, the hag hook 14 can extend from the front side 5 a of the container 2 above the opening and can be slidably adjustable. For example, the bag hook 14 can include a first portion 14 a providing an upward direction and a second portion being elongated. The bag hook 14 can be adjusted by sliding the elongated portion inward or outward relative to the container. In other embodiments, the bag hook 14 can extend from the side or bottom of the opening or can extend from one of the other sides of the container 2. The container 2 can have a size and shape to accommodate and/or hold various personal items of a person; for example, items of a person while a patron dines at a restaurant.

The container 2 can have an internal volume and one or more points of entry into the internal volume. A primary purpose of the container 2 is to allow a user to sit at a table in a restaurant and store his/her personal items in the container so that the items remain accessible and safe from third party theft while not incumbering the user's pocket or table top area. It is well known that personal items, such as a cellular phone or wallet, can be stolen if left in a purse hung over the back of the user's chair or can be damaged if laid on the table while the user is eating and/or drinking. By having the container 2 positioned on the tables edge near or in front of the seated user, the personal items stored in the container 2 are general secure and safe from damage or theft.

As shown in FIGS. 7 through 8, one or more doors can be used on the container 2 to better secure the personal items stored within the container 2. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a clip on front cover, which can be made of a see-through material (as shown), can be used to prevent a person from quickly accessing the contents of the container 2. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the container 2 can have a door 32 made of mesh or woven material, which can allow a patron to view the contents of the container 2 without opening the door 32. The door 32 can attach to the container 2 by one of several connection means. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the circumference or rim 34 of the door 32 can clip or securely “snap” into receiving grooves 30 disposed in the walls of the container 2 about the opening in the front side 5 a. In another embodiment, the rim of the door 32 and a corresponding portion of the container 2 can have magnetic properties such that the door can be secured closed by magnetism. In another example, the door 32 can have one or more hinges attached to the container 2 and the door 32 so that the door 32 can swing (or flip) open and shut. In such an embodiment, a securing mechanism can be used to secure the door 32 in a closed position and to prevent quick and easy access to the objects stored inside the container 2.

The securing mechanism can include one or more locking mechanisms. When using a locking mechanism, a user has the ability to lock personal items inside the container 2 so that he/she can leave the table and other patrons are prevented from taking the user's personal items out of the locked container 2. For example, a locking mechanism can be a combination lock, a key lock, a padlock, a deadbolt lock, a knob lock, a lever handle lock, a cam lock, a rim/mortised lock, or a combination thereof.

The container 2 can also include one or more small holes 8 (See FIG. 5) disposed through any one of its sides which can be used to insert charging cables for a user's electronic devises. For example, a cellular phone charging cable can be inserted into the small hole 8 so that the user's phone can be charged while resting in the container 2. As shown in FIG. 9, a mounting surface 36 can be disposed about the bottom surface of the storage compartment. The mounting surface 36 can include a rubber or rubber like surface, to cause friction and otherwise prevent the slippage or movement of items placed on the mounting surface 36. The mounting surface can also include a battery or charging station for electronic devices, such that the electronic devices can be optionally charged when stored in the storage compartment and/or placed upon the mounting surface 36.

The container 2 provides a benefit to both the diner and the restaurant. The diner is made to feel more secure as he/she is confident his/her personal items are safe from theft and damage during the dining experience. Restaurants benefit because they are able to offer a better dining experience as the dining area, including table top and floor, are free from clutter. The container can also be used in a variety of settings, providing a great benefit to the user. Other settings can include, but are not limited to, any type of table tops or surfaces like those found in bars, clubs, breweries, bowling alleys, casinos, spas, salons, offices, classrooms, etc. Moreover, the storage compartment and/or bag hook can secure and/or accommodate several items beyond those listed herein. For example, a user can hang a facemask on the bag hook.

When disposed on a table top, the top side of the table hook is often visible to patrons or persons using or persons positioned near the table top. As such, this top side of the table hook can include advertisements and/or Quick Response code (commonly called “QR Code”). In an alternative embodiment, the width of the top or second portion of the table hook can be wider in proportion to the container 2 than is shown, providing a larger surface area for advertisements, stickers, QR Codes, etc.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, suitable methods are described herein.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described herein above as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a container having one or more walls defining an internal volume and an opening about a front side, a table hook extending from a top surface of the container, a first portion of the table hook extending upward and second portion of the table hook extending rearward; a securing mechanism disposed through the top surface of the container opposite the second portion of the table hook; and a door disposed about the front side.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a threaded member and a table plate about the top of the threaded member, wherein the table plate is directed toward or away from the table hook by actuating the threaded member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door extends across the entirety of the opening.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the door is attached to the container about a hinge and is moveable between and open position and a closed position.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the door can be locked in the closed position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a securing feature optionally activated to secure the door in a locked position.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bag hook extending from the container.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the bag hook extends forward from the top surface of the container.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the bag hook extends from the container forward of the front surface.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: a storage compartment comprising three or more walls and an opening, wherein a proximal end of one or more of the walls is the border of the opening, a table hook extending from a top surface of the storage compartment, a first portion of the table hook extending upward and second portion of the table hook extending rearward; a securing mechanism disposed through the top surface of the storage compartment opposite the second portion of the table hook; and a door disposed about the front side.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a retractable member, wherein the retractable member is directed toward or away from the table hook by actuating the retractable member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the opening has a border comprising one or more clip receivers and wherein the door comprises one or more clips, wherein the clips and clip receivers mate to secure the door in a closed position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the door is connected to the border of the opening via a hinge mechanism and wherein the door is moveable between an open position and a closed position.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein when the door is in the closed position, the internal volume is not immediately accessible.
 15. An apparatus, comprising: a container comprising a top surface, a right side surface, a left side surface, a bottom surface, and a back surface, each made of a rigid material; an opening defining a front side of the container, wherein one or more items can be stored inside the container, a table hook extending from a top surface of the container, a first portion of the table hook extending upward and second portion of the table hook extending rearward; a securing mechanism disposed through the top surface of the container opposite the second portion of the table hook; and a door disposed about the front side, wherein the door is closable to secure the items inside the container. 